72 o‘ahu top sight
Eat your way through
Hawaii Tourism auTHoriTy (HTa)/Tor JoHnson
CHINATOWN
Hawaii Tourism auTHoriTy (HTa)/Tor JoHnson
Steaming dim sum, char siu, manapua, pork hash, and other freshly made cultural delights, as well as fresh produce, fruits, sweets and baked goods made daily are ready for you to enjoy as you make your way along the narrow, busy sidewalks of Chinatown. Places to explore include the landmark Oahu Market on N. King Street—pig’s heads, cow tongues and chicken feet are all part of the norm. You’ll marvel at food items that would titillate the likes of Andrew Zimmern, host of Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods.” Maunakea Marketplace along Maunakea Street has a small indoor food court that’s home to a few vendors offering Thai, Filipino, Korean, Japanese and Singapore fare. A few steps from the food court is a place that offers the infamous durian fruit in a smoothie. Cross N. Hotel Street to the next block and you’ll find very CHINATOWN TOURS affordable fresh produce and Z Hawaii Heritage Center’s Chinatown vegetables along an open mall. Food, History & Cultural Walking Tour, Many small restaurants 9:30 a.m. Wed. & Fri. $20 per person. No reservations needed, but call 9 a.m.-1:30 and eateries cater to familiar cultural flavors, as well as to a p.m. Mon.-Fri. for location, parking, detailed info: 808-521-2749. more modern palate. Find a Z Historic Hawaii Theatre Tours, comfortable and eclectic mix of 11 a.m. Tues., $10, call to confirm old and new that’s attracting a availability: 808-528-0506. younger generation to the area. Z Food tours, waltereatshawaii.com An exploration of Chinatown also offers a glimpse into the NOTE: Most tours have fees and are not past amid historic, ornate offered most holidays. Call in advance to confirm. buildings, hidden alleys and courtyards. With every step, arts district you’ll come across long-time Z First Friday Honolulu - Enjoy a free mom and pop businesses, and self-guided tour every first Friday of the eclectic shops crowded with area month, 5:30-9 p.m. Galleries and studios residents and business folk who present art exhibits, entertainment and make Chinatown what it is. refreshments that celebrate artists and There’s definitely lots to see, do their art. firstfridayhawaii.com. and eat, so take your time and discover things you might never see in your hometown. You can opt to explore the area on your own, but with a guide at the helm, you’ll get a deeper understanding of the area’s history, as well as find out what makes Chinatown tick. THIS WEEK OAHU